Category: Michigan Trails
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A Winter Expedition: Exploring Valhalla Park
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Winter hikes are one of my favorite things to do with my beagle, Brisco. We love exploring new trails, playing in the snow, and enjoying the fresh air. However, as he grows older sometimes the harder hikes through deep snow have been a bit more of a challenge for him.…
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Take a Hike in Lansing
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You may think that hiking in the Lansing area means pavement pathways and a disconnect from nature, like most cities. But that’s not the case in Lansing. In fact, within a short drive, trail goers have access to many beautiful forested trails, right in the heart of nature.
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My First Adventure on the Big Bay Pathway
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When I first discovered the Big Bay Pathway, I was intrigued. I had difficulty finding any information about it other than a tiny image of a detail-less map and that it was used primarily for cross-country skiing. I visited what I had thought was the trailhead a few times but…
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The Running Adventure I Didn’t Want at Proud Lake Recreation Area
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Visiting Proud Lake Recreation Area has been on my bucket list for quite some time now. With over 3,000 acres, including the scenic Huron River, this recreation area provides activities for all outdoor adventurers.
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The Magic of the Bush Bay Trail
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Take a magical hike in the woods on the Bush Bay Trail near Cedarville, Michigan. With beautiful views of Lake Huron, limestone and dolomite formations, and all the moss that would make a fairy garden jealous. This hike is well worth the stop. The Bush Bay Trail has been nicknamed…
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Exploring the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail
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Waterloo Recreation Area is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s haven. With 20,000 acres of land, Waterloo Recreation Area is the largest state park in Michigan’s lower peninsula. It includes diverse camping options, 11 inland lakes, and multiple systems. On my visit, I decided to explore the extensive Waterloo-Pinckney Trail.
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Sandy Hikes & Lake Huron Views at Port Crescent State Park
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If you are looking for a hike that offers sandy beaches, lake views, and can be completed in an hour, Port Crescent State Park has what you are looking for.
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Discovering Beckwith Nature Preserve
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If you’re looking for a quick, easy hike, Beckwith Nature Preserve is the place for you. This little trail system provides an escape to nature all with the convenience of being tucked away on the edge of town.
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Take a Hike in Marquette
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Hiking options are abundant in Marquette, Michigan. With scenic views everywhere, unique terrain, and waterfalls galore, it is easy to see why Marquette is one of my favorite Michigan hiking destinations. Here are some of my favorite trails to hike in the area.
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Exploring the Powell Township Recreation Area
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From the first time I heard about the Powell Township Recreation trails, I could not wait to step foot on them. Located in one of my favorite locations, Marquette County, this trail system has a lot to offer. As part of the Noquemanon Trail Network, it does not disappoint.
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Running the Trails at Ionia State Recreation Area
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Like most of Michigan’s state parks, Ionia State Recreation Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From forested campsites, sandy beaches, and miles of trails, it has adventure around every corner. This pretty park is a great option for a long hike or run.
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Exploring the Trails at Ingham Conservation District
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There are few things more exciting than the first run or hike on a new trail system. I learned about the Ingham Conservation District trail from a local running group and was eager to check them out. I was pleasantly surprised by these trails and can’t wait to get back…
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Exploring the North Country Trail, Fallasburg to Lowell
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There is something special about running or hiking on secluded trail. With no people, it is easy to lose yourself in thought and reconnect to the natural world. The North Country Trail (NCT) offers that outlet for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
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A Great Hike at Lincoln Brick Park
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During Michigan’s Trail Week, I was attempting to hike or run different trail systems every day. This led me to Lincoln Brick Park. Often overshadowed by the neighboring Fitzgerald Park, this small historic place has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts.
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Running Trails at Fitzgerald Park
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What it lacks for in mileage, Fitzgerald Park makes up for in beauty. Commonly referred to as “The Ledges”, Fitzgerald Park offers diverse terrain for all levels of runners and hikers.
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Running the Potawatomi Trail
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Looking for good mileage and hilly terrain? Look no further! The Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney Recreational Area offers plenty of both. Run through marshes, wetlands, and young forests on an adventure through this scenic area.
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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Mosquito Falls
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Mosquito Falls is one of the smaller waterfalls tucked away in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It does not have the impressive height of Sable Falls or power of Miner’s, but it is nonetheless just as beautiful.
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Hiking the Trails of Chippewa Nature Center
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With 1,500 acres of diverse habitat and 19 miles of trail, Midland’s Chippewa Nature Center is the perfect place to spend quality time in nature.
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To the Top of the World!
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Hike to the Top of the World for rewarding views of Lake Superior, Marquette, Harlow Lake, and Little Presque Isle. Not as tall or well known as it’s neighbor Hogback Mountain, Top of the World offers a more secluded experience for hikers.
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The Rugged Hike to Pinnacle Falls
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There is nothing easy about Pinnacle Falls. Just getting to the parking area can be a challenge. Winding dirt roads with few to no signs marking the way. But for those with the spirit of adventure, Pinnacle Falls is well worth the trek.
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Running the Trails at Burchfield, and Riverbend
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Easy to Moderate The Burchfield Park Trail stretches across three Ingham County Parks; Burchfield Park, Riverbend Natural Area, and McNamara Canoe Landing. With 16 miles of trails, there is something to offer everyone, no matter where you are in your training. The trail system begins in the Burchfield Park and…
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Hiking to Horseshoe Harbor
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Nestled at the tip of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula is the small town of Copper Harbor. Copper Harbor is well known for its stunning vistas, beautiful hiking trails, and wild terrain. Horseshoe Harbor is all of these things accessed by one short hike. The Mary Mcdonald Preserve was originally established in…
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Porcupine Mountains Summit Peak: Great Views and an Easy Hike
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When visiting the Porcupine Mountains highest point, Summit Peak, prepare yourself for beautiful vistas. At nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, on clear days, hikers can see the Apostle Islands to the northwest and Isle Royale to the northeast. It is well worth the easy, short hike. During our visit,…
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Trail Running at Fenner Nature Center
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Easy Fenner Nature Center is a unique location within the city of Lansing that provides people with the opportunity to experience nature. This environmental education center contains 134 acres of publicly accessible green space. This includes roughly 4 miles of trails that wind through maple groves and prairie lands. Wildlife is…
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Hiking to Hunter’s Point
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While not the best views in the area, Hunter’s Point provides a quick stop with some interesting sights. Located just west of Copper Harbor, Hunter’s Point is a 9.4 acre of land that juts out into Lake Superior. It has pebbly beaches (and trails) with some nice views of basalt…